Unusual Mirror

Once I chanced upon an unusual mirror,
It showed a distinct me, much to my horror.

Neat and clean me of everyday appeared as sophisticated,
Eagerness to be on time seemed excessive and unwanted.

My efforts to dress well came across as obedience with uniformity,
Awareness on current events felt like an attempt to superiority.

Calm & quiet nature of mine appeared as private and snobbish,
Desire to pursue my dreams looked nothing but too selfish.

My beliefs in good old values looked as orthodox and outdated,
Cognizance of intricacies of human mind seemed unsupported.

Setting high performance standards seemed as unrealistic,
Passion for cars, good things in life felt as materialistic.

My insistence on self-reliance came out as being unsupportive,
Avoidance of a fight looked weak and counter-productive.

My urge to do the right thing read as rigid and unyielding,
Taste for good music & art appeared as dull and unexciting.

I scratched my brain but couldn’t find an answer to a thing,
After much thought it struck to me what was happening.

The mirror was showing what was others perception of me,
It was uncomfortable & embarrassing to see this new image of me.

What the mirror showed me was a complete revelation,
I must admit it forced me to have a deeper introspection.

……………………………………………………………………… Ashish Joshi